Mary Otte Obituary

Mary Ann Otte, 87, of Canton, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 30, 2025, at Lewis County Nursing Home in Canton.

She was born on July 24, 1937, in Quincy, Illinois, the daughter of Oscar Ray Sweet and Anna Kathryn (Ellison)Sweet.

Mary Ann's journey began in her hometown of Canton, where her first job at the local coffee shop led her to meet the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Otte. They were married on July 24, 1954, and shared more than 68 wonderful years together before Bob's passing in 2022.

She attended Canton High School and Mary Ann later earned her GED. She was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she and Bob participated in numerous church events and classes for new members. Together, they were also active in Quincy Cursillo for many years.

After returning to Canton from Fort Sill, Oklahoma, during Bob's military service, Mary Ann embraced her most cherished role as a mother to four children. She served as a room mother, den mother for the Boy Scouts, and a Girl Scout leader. Her life centered around her family, and she never missed an opportunity to support her children in school and sports.

As her children grew, Mary Ann held several jobs in the community, including positions at KQCA Radio Station, as a teacher's aide at Canton High School, at Precision Auto Body, and finally at Country Aire Retirement Estates, where she finished her working career.

Mary Ann's greatest joy in life was her family, and she was blessed to spend meaningful time with them just days before her passing.

She is survived by her four children, Mark (Nicole) Otte of Canton, Keith Otte of Canton, Cindy (David) Blanton of Springfield, Mo. and Penny Otte (Greg) of Lone Jack, Mo. Her legacy continues through eleven grandchildren: Amber McMillan, Heath Otte (Mary), Taryn McCarter (Nick), Ashley Otte, Keith Otte II (Sierra), Lacey Potter, Shea Grimes (Stephanie), Justen Bigler, Brittany Feehan (Dan), Jackson Lillard (Maggie), Courtney Lillard; and through twenty great-grandchildren: Lexi, Nathan, Halli (Delaney), Blaine, Braden (Bella), Brice, Bailey, Haileigh, Kasey, Luke, Keith Mitchell III, Grace, Gwen, Zayden, Thomas, Xinnley, Jameson, Kai, Cayde, and Isla.

She was joyfully anticipating the arrival of her first great-great-granddaughter, Adeline Mary Ann Nicole Grimes due in September.

Mary Ann is also survived by her brother, Terry Sweet (Norma) of Canton, and sisters-in-law Marilyn Otte of Kahoka and Helen Otte of Hannibal.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bob, her granddaughter Ashley Otte, daughter-in-law Paula Otte, her parents and in-laws, and several beloved brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and their spouses.

Graveside services are being planned for June 27, 2026, when the family will lay Bob and Mary Ann to rest together at Forest Grove Cemetery in Canton. Friends are invited to attend.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, an organization close to her heart which may be mailed to or left at Arnold's Funeral Home, 1100 White St., Canton, MO 63435.